Is it right for you?
T 5 is a ranked summit on the ridge between Governor Basin and the basins above Telluride, east of unranked Mendota Peak. It has great views of the peaks around Yankee Boy Basin and down into Silver, Sydney and Marshall Basins.
You hike or drive the Governor Basin road up to the Virginius Mine, climb rock to a bench above a second mine, and cross loose boulders to the saddle east of Mendota Peak. The ridge toward T 5 looks guarded by spires, but an easy line weaves through to wide, scree-covered ground and the summit. It is Class 2.
From the Governor Basin junction, the round trip is about 7 miles with 2,650 feet of gain. T 5 can also be climbed from the Tomboy trailhead through Middle Basin (about 4 miles and 2,075 feet, Class 2+), but that way starts on an old road that may be gated and marked private and ends in a steep, sandy couloir.
Plan of the day
By 7 a.m.
Be at the Mendota saddle by 11 a.m.
Loose boulders below the Mendota saddle.
Easy. The way through the ridge spires shows itself once you're at the saddle.
Streams in Governor Basin. Filter it.
This week on the summit
Conditions on the summit
Loading Fetching the forecast for 13,437'…—
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Afternoon storm risk is the line that matters. Everything else is comfort. In summer, plan to be off the ridge before the build-up starts, not as it starts. Forecast for the summit point, adjusted for its elevation · data from Open-Meteo.
Getting there
Governor Basin Road
From Ouray, drive south on US 550 to the top of the first switchback and turn right on the Camp Bird Road (County Road 361). Follow the graded dirt road southwest. About 4.5 miles in, stay right on Forest Road 853.1B; the left fork goes to Imogene Pass. Most cars are fine to here. Keep going across the shelf road, which can be a little rough, to about 6.7 miles, where the Governor Basin road (Forest Road 853.1C) turns off. Park near this junction, at about 10,800 feet, unless you have a strong 4WD. The figures on this page start here.
With a high-clearance 4WD you can drive about 2 miles up the Governor Basin road toward the Virginius Mine ruins. Local jeep clubs rate it 4 to 4.5 out of 5, with very steep, rocky sections. Driving it cuts the hike to about 3 miles round trip and 1,350 feet of gain. Conditions change, so check before you go.
Angel Creek and Thistledown campgrounds are on the lower Camp Bird Road; watch for private land. If you can drive the Governor Basin road, there is a good camp spot at a switchback around 11,360 feet. Car camping near the Governor Basin junction may no longer be allowed.
Base towns and camping for this climb
Coming from out of state? See Lodging & Camping for how free camping works, what is closed this year and where to stay.
Before you go
Check these the week of your climb.
Official forecast
The National Weather Service forecast for the summit area, hour by hour. Look for thunderstorm chances and wind above treeline.
NWS point forecast →Directions to the trailhead
Governor Basin Road. Road conditions near the trailhead change after storms. Check your clearance and have a backup plan for a lower lot.
Get directions →Roads and highways
Closures, construction and winter conditions on the highways that get you there.
COtrip road conditions →Closures and fire rules
Trail closures, fire bans and other alerts from the Forest Service in Colorado. For the latest on your trailhead, call the local ranger district.
Forest Service alerts →Snow on the route?
From fall through early summer, any snow slope can slide. Check the avalanche forecast before you go.
Avalanche forecast →Cell signal
Most trailheads and many summits have little or no signal. Check coverage near the trailhead and carry a satellite messenger or beacon if you can.
FCC coverage map →